RWA Learning & Participation events programme unveils exciting lineup from January - May 2024

The RWA (Royal West of England Academy) is delighted to announce its upcoming Learning & Participation events programme, spanning from mid-January to the end of May 2024.

With a commitment to inclusivity, the RWA offers a diverse array of workshops, tours, and events tailored for people of different ages, communities, and varying access needs.

FREE Family Workshops: Scribble and Sketch Embark on a creative journey with our FREE family art workshops, Scribble and Sketch, held at various locations across Bristol on Saturdays. Led by experienced facilitators, these sessions provide an opportunity for children and grown-ups to participate together. No pre-booking is required, and all ages are welcome. Children must be supervised.

• Hartcliffe: Hartcliffe Children's Centre, Hareclive Rd, Bristol BS13 0JW, with artist Seekan Hui (1st Saturday of the month)
• Redcliffe: Faithspace, Prewett Street, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6PB, with artist Vicky Willmott (3rd Saturday of the month)
• Southmead: Community Corner, Greenway Centre Café, Doncaster Rd, Southmead, Bristol BS10 5PP, with artist Abbi Bayliss (4th Saturday of the month)

Baby Tour: A Relaxing Art Experience for Parents with Babies Enjoy relaxed and informal sessions in a safe and comfortable space with our Baby Tour. Designed for parents with babies (12 months and under), these FREE sessions provide an opportunity to explore the current exhibition, These Mad Hybrids: John Hoyland and Contemporary Sculpture, without any pressure. Booking is required.

• RWA, Main galleries. Thursdays, 11 am – 12.30 pm: 15 Feb, 14 March, 11 April, 9 May

Happy Mondays Happy Families: Sensory Workshops for Children with SEN+D Tailored sensory workshops for families with children with SEN+D on exclusive days. Led by experienced artist facilitators, these FREE sessions offer a unique and intimate experience. Booking is required for participation on 12 Feb, 1 April, and 27 May.

Art Skills 7-11’s: Creative Workshops for Young Artists Young artists aged 7-11 can unleash their creativity in the RWA Studio with artist facilitators. These ticketed events are priced at £10 per child.

• Abstract Acrylics with Elena Hayward: Wednesday 14 Feb – 2-4 pm

Tuesday Teatime Tour: Gallery Exploration for Older People Exhibition tours followed by tea and cake for older individuals, especially those living with dementia and their companions. These FREE sessions provide an opportunity for reminiscence and creative conversations.

• 6 Feb, 12 March, 21 May 2024

Described Tour: Art Experience for Blind or Partially Sighted Adults A described tour of the exhibition for blind or partially sighted adults, led by experienced facilitator Sarah Kelly. FREE sessions with dates to be confirmed; reserve your place by emailing ellen.pye@rwa.org.uk.

BSL Tour: British Sign Language Tour Led by Chisato Minamimura from a Deaf perspective, this FREE tour provides insight into the exhibition through British Sign Language. Booking is advised for the session on 20 April, 10 am – 11.30 pm.

Early Years Day: Drop-in Activities for 2-4 Year-Olds Join us for Early Years music session and drop-in activities for 2-4 year-olds and their parents/carers in the RWA Family Activity Space.

• February Half term, 13 Feb, 10 am – 12 pm: Join us for some musical percussion activities. Have fun with all sorts of things that make wonderful noises and try making a percussion instrument of your own.

Exhibitions: Deckled Edge and Playful Gestures Alongside our outreach events, explore our exhibitions showcasing artwork by participants from certain programs:

• Deckled Edge: An exhibition of handmade papers inspired by John Hoyland's paintings (20 February - 24 March 2024, RWA, Lower Ground Floor, FREE)
• Playful Gestures: Expressive, abstract painting and sculpture by disabled adults attending Bristol Community Links hubs (20 February - 24 March 2024, RWA, Lower Ground Floor, FREE)

The RWA Learning & Participation team invites everyone to experience art in accessible, meaningful, and inspiring ways. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit rwa.org.uk or reach out to our Learning and Participation team: Helen.jacobs@rwa.org.uk and ellen.pye@rwa.org.uk for more information.